Albion Central School honors retirees with 304 years of commitment to district

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2026 at 9:56 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jay Kovaleski, a high school physical education teacher, is congratulated by Albion Board of Education member Porsche Taylor on his impending retirement. Kovaleski also has been a long-time coach for swimming and tennis, helping Albion win several league titles during his tenure. He and other retirees were recognized by the school district during a reception Monday before the BOE meeting.

ALBION – The school district on Monday recognized retiring teachers for their long commitment to students and also honored other retiring staff who have been integral to the district operations. Altogether, the 13 retirees have worked 304 years at the district.

“The district is in a better place because you are in it,” Board of Education President Linda Weller said during a reception before the monthly BOE meeting.

District Superintendent Mickey Edwards first recognized three BOE members who are ending their tenures on the board.

David Sidari has served in the volunteer role since 1999. He retired in 2024, but came back about six months later in January 2025 to fill a vacancy.

Kurt Schmitt has served six years on the board and been active with the Finance & Audit, Facility and Safety, and Code of Conduct committees. Trellis Pore is finishing a five-year term. He has been on the Code of Conduct Committee.

Laura Simboli, the Albion school district treasurer, is congratulated on her retirement by Rick Recckio II, Assistant Superintendent for Finance. The school district honored retirees before the Board of Education meeting on Monday.

The 13 retirees from the district include:

Laura Simboli is retiring after 11 years at the District Office. She started as a payroll clerk and has been the treasurer the past four years.

Rick Recckio II, assistant superintendent for finance, said Simboli exudes kindness and has expertise in projected fund balance, cash flow and grants.

“I truly cannot imagine this place without her,” he said. “She has been the heart of this office in so many ways.”

Greg Staines, a computer specialist for the past 16 years, shakes hands with Joe Navarra, the information technology director at the school district.

Navarra said Staines has a knack where he can fix anything, without ever being ruffled by a challenge.

“He is a kind person who makes the workday better by just being around him,” Navarra said. “He has been a great person and friend to all of us.”

Angela Conway, elementary school principal, congratulates Dana Martin for his career in the elementary school.

Martin has been a long-time fifth grade teacher at the school. He started with Albion in 1997 as a Japanese teacher and then was an AIS teacher. He has led the Japanese Club the past 29 years and organized many cultural events at the school.

“He has a calm demeanor and genuine care for the students,” Conway said. “He is a thoughtful listener.”

Among his colleagues, Martin is also known as the “science guru,” she said.

Robert Epperson, a first grade teacher, is retiring after 27 years. He also taught fourth grade at Albion. He was praised for his compassion and commitment to his students.

Theresa McClellan, a speech teacher and language pathologist at Albion for 27 years, was praised “for helping students find their voice.”

Beth Dunn and Terri Monacelli, teacher aides in Prekindergarten, are both retiring. Dunn worked 25 years for the district and is well regarded for her compassion to students and “incredible sense of humor,” Conway said.

Monacelli worked 31 years for Albion, starting as an aide in the former Even Start program. She has worked in PreK for the past 27 years. She is very prepared and organized, “but what sets Terri apart is her heart,” Conway said.

Terri Monacelli is retiring after 31 years as an aide in the elementary school.

In the Middle School, there are two retirees. Greg Martillotta is retired after 31 years as a music teacher including running the middle school band program. He retired in September.

Lee Sheehan retired in December after 18 years with Albion. She started in the elementary school and taught sixth grade the past eight years.

Brad Pritchard, the middle school principal, said Sheehan was committed to student growth and often supported her students outside of the classroom, attending dance recitals, school musicals and other events.

Lee Sheehan is congratulated by Board of Education member Kelly Kirby.

Elementary PE teacher named Albion’s Educator of the Year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2026 at 8:21 am

Don Adams brings lots of optimism, joy in teaching kids to exercise and swim

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Don Adams, an Albion teacher since 1993, is congratulated by Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, after Adams was honored as Albion’s Educator of the year on Monday evening. Board of Education President Linda Weller is at left and BOE member Porsche Taylor is at right.

Adams was praised for bringing so much joy and optimism in his job as a elementary physical education teacher. He also teaches swim lessons over the summer and has coached soccer, basketball, softball and track in his tenure, most often working with modified teams of seventh- and eighth-graders.

“He leads with kindness and integrity,” Edwards said in announcing Adams as the Educator of the Year.

Adams received several nominations for the award. He has been a dedicated coach and mentor to other teachers.

“Whether in the classroom, on the field, or throughout the community, Don is a constant positive presence who demonstrates respect, compassion, and genuine care for all students, faculty, staff, and community members,” Edwards said. “His character, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work and learn alongside him.”

Adams said he loves working with younger students and being a part of the Albion school district.

“The young kids love to jump, run and play,” he said. “I try to have a huge influence and impact on every kid.”

Over the years he has taught hundreds of children to learn how to swim. He helps them overcome their fear of the water, and gradually build their confidence in the pool.

“I want to thank all of the students,” he said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Don Adams said he is thankful to work at the Albion school district. He thanked his family, the teachers he had growing up, and all of the students he’s had over a 33-year career. Up front from left include Board of Education members Kurt Schmitt, Linda Weller and Porsche Taylor.

Kendall rallies late to win state qualifier; Eagles face Sub Regional contest Tuesday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:28 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino slides into third base on his RBI triple. Trying to make the tag is Gananda’s Peter Jacob. The action took place during the Eagles state qualifier victory this evening at Dwyer Stadium.

Earning a second straight trip to the state tournament, Kendall put together a clutch late inning scoring burst to down Gananda 6-3 in the Section V Class C state qualifier baseball game this evening at Dwyer Stadium.

Trailing 3-2, Kendall came battling back to claim the win by erupting for 4 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Vinnie D’Agostino banged out a double and Andrew Cole was hit by a pitch to get that rally going.

Both runners then came around to score as a bunt by Sammy Conte turned into a two-run error by Gananda putting Kendall back on top to stay at 4-3.

The Eagles then tacked on a pair of big insurance runs on an RBI single by Mikey Colucci and a run producing wild pitch.

“They just never gave up,” said Kendall head Coach Tige Noni of the big comeback. “Gananda has a very good team. You just have to put the ball in play and put the pressure on and we were able to do that.”

Kendall first baseman Nic Cole gets the throw trying to pick off Gananda’s Jsckson Giancursio.

Kendall though will have little time to celebrate as the Eagles will plunge right into state competition on Tuesday facing Section VI champion Gowanda in a Sub Regional contest at 4 p.m. at Hamburg High School.

That contest will be a rematch of last year’s regional which saw Gowanda down Kendall 8-1.

Kendall also scored first against Gananda plating a quick run in the first inning as Jonny Conte doubled and came home on a triple by CJ D’Agostino.

Gananda tied the game at 1-1 with a run in the top of the fourth as Owen Switzer doubled and came home on a ground out.

Kendall though got that one right back in the home half of the fourth as Vinnie D’Agostino singled, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Andrew Cole and came home on an error putting the Eagles back up 2-1.

CJ D’Agostino, at left, and Vinnie D’Agostino shared the pitching duties for the Eagles.

That lead did not last long though as Gananda scored twice in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by Maddox Stoughton and a wild pitch to regain the lead for what proved to be the last time at 3-2.

That set the stage for Kendall’s dramatic four run sixth inning rally to advance to the state tourney with a 21-2 record.

Vinnie D’Agostino finished with a pair of hits as Jacob Abrams also banged out a triple.

CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino shared the pitching duties for the Eagles allowing 5 hits and striking out 8.

Medina also plays in Sub Regional Tuesday
Medina will face Bath Haverling in the Class B Sub Regional at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Frontier High School.

Medina advanced by blanking JFK Saturday to win a third straight Section VI Class B championship.

Bath won the Section V Class V title by downing Wellsville 6-5 this evening.

NOTE: More pictures from tonight’s game are now posted on the Hub’s Facebook pages.

Kendall’s Jacob Abrams celebrates after banging out a triple.

24 young musicians debuted with Medina’s new Mini Mustang Band

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:02 pm

Provided photo: The Mini Mustang Marching Band was formed to allow fifth- and sixth-graders to become familiar with marching band before they become eligible to join the Mustang Marching Band in seventh grade. They are shown by the Olde Pickle Factory before the Memorial Day parade a week ago.

MEDINA – A new group of musicians has joined the band program at Medina High School – the Mini Mustang Marching Band.

Two music teachers – Andrea Busch, music teacher at Oak Orchard School, and Kyla Leno-Denise, assistant band director at the Junior-Senior High School – worked together to start the Mini Mustang Marching Band this year.

“Kyla and I wanted to find a way to get young students excited about marching band,” Busch said. “This gives them the opportunity to try it out before they are eligible to join the Mustang Marching Band in seventh grade.”

She said fifth and sixth grade students were invited to join, and 24 signed up.

“We didn’t know what to expect, this being the first year,” Busch said. “We are hopeful more will become involved next year.”

The Mini Band has already performed for their parents on a special preview night and in Medina’s Memorial Day Parade. Parents are also welcome to come to rehearsals to see what students do. They will perform again at Oak Orchard Elementary School and Wise Junior High on Flag Day.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Mini Mustang Marching Band heads down main Street and gets ready to make the turn on East Center Street during the Memorial Day parade.

The Mini and regular Mustang Marching Band got to perform their spring shows for each other during warmup for the Memorial Day Parade.

“It was a wonderful moment to see the high school students supporting the younger students, and then to see the younger students in awe of the older students,” Busch said. “We hope this helps build excitement in our music program and encourage more kids to join the Mustang Marching Band when they are finally old enough.”

“They are not a competitive group,” Busch said of the Mini Marching Band. “This just gives them a platform to have fun and perform before a crowd before joining a competitive group.”

The Mini Marching Band students practice from 5 to 6 p.m. two nights a week. Many have already signed up for fall marching band, Busch said.

“Kyla and I are so proud of the students,” Busch said. “We really are excited about their bright future with the regular Mustang Marching Band.”

Heron Falls asks Clarendon to create sewer district serving mobile home park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 4:32 pm

Town Board rejected previous effort to run sewer line from Heron Falls to Village of Holley

CLARENDON – Heron Falls, a mobile home park off Route 31A with about 400 housing units and 800 residents, has asked the Clarendon Town Board to create a sewer district that would serve the park and connect into the Village of Holley system.

Heron Falls last year offered to pay an estimated $2 million to run a 4-inch sewer line from Heron Falls and connect into Holley’s system at Bennetts Corners Road.

During a town meeting in November, several Bennetts Corners Road residents spoke out against the project concerned it would bring development to their rural neighborhood and possibly foul odors and negative impacts from construction.

The Town Board ultimately voted unanimously not to support the project as presented.

But now Heron Falls, owned by Estates West MHC LLC, wants to try a new approach. It has submitted a petition to the town to form the Heron Falls Sewer District.

Town Supervisor Marc Major and the rest of the Town Board have referred the petition to Bond, Schoeneck and King Attorneys for its advice on how to proceed. Major said Heron Falls hasn’t taken an adversarial stance with Clarendon. The company has petitioned for a district in the same manner that a group of residents do when they are looking to form a water district.

The Town Board now takes it under review to see if it will proceed as a town-driven project.

When Heron Falls looked to hook into Holley’s sewer system, the Clarendon Town Board was brought into the process in the late stages, Major said.

If the sewer district goes forward, Major said he wants an agreement “where all parties benefit.”

Heron Falls last year offered to spend $2 million to extend public sewers in the town by about 2 miles.

Heron Falls, formerly called Thomas Estates, wants to decommission its aging wastewater treatment system on site and instead run a 4-inch sewer line to connect with Holley’s sewer system.

Heron Falls offered to pay for the new sewer lines and a pump station, and then turn the project over to the Village of Holley. Residents along 1,650 feet on Route 31A and then 9,150 feet along Bennetts Corners Road would have the option to connect to the sewer system, but wouldn’t be required, according to the proposal from last year.

Holley’s sewer plant currently treats about 210,000 gallons a day. Heron Falls wants to send another 38,000 to 70,000 a gallons to Holley’s plant which has a capacity to treat 450,000 gallons a day. Even with Heron Falls, Holley would have plenty of capacity to accommodate other users, village officials said.

Historian’s column: Loss of Holley’s Gary Bullock in Vietnam shows human cost of war

Posted 1 June 2026 at 2:20 pm

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 14

Gary E. Bullock, who died in the Vietnam War at age 24, is shown as a schoolboy in Holley.

HOLLEY – Memorial Day, the national holiday which honors American military personnel who died in service, was celebrated annually on May 30 from its inception in 1868 until 1971 when federal legislation changed its observance to the last Monday in May.

This year, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 25, the earliest date possible for this calendar occurrence. The next time the holiday will be as early as this will be 2037.

Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the first official observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The first nationwide observance of Decoration Day was in 1870.

On that year in Albion, a sizeable Military Procession convened at the Courthouse Square under the direction of the Chief Marshal, Col. E. M. Spaulding. Preceded by Hadley’s military band, it processed to Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Following prayers, the grave of each Civil War casualty was decorated while Captain Thomas Bell gave a brief military history of each of the deceased. The procession then reformed formally and marched back to the Courthouse Square where it was dismissed. Flowers for the decoration of the graves had been contributed and assembled at the Grand Jury Room in the Courthouse on the morning of the parade.

Recently, the paper records of Spec. 4 Gary E. Bullock were donated to the Holley Depot Museum. A slim file, it poignantly illustrates the human cost of war. The file contains records of his birth and education, photographs, military records, death, burial and insurance records, as well as carefully clipped newspaper articles, now yellowing.

The only son of Mr. & Mrs. Dayton C. (Lolita) Bullock of 85 S. Main St. in Holley, Gary E. Bullock, aged 24, was killed in action in South Vietnam on Tuesday, January 31, 1967, when a bunker collapsed on him. His enlistment was almost over. He had been looking forward to leaving Vietnam on February 27. He was the fourth of the nine casualties of the war from Holley.

The “Statement of Casualty” announces that Gary Bullock died on Jan. 31, 1967 in Vietnam “as the result of injuries received while in a bunker which collapsed on him.”

The “Final Disposition” telegram. Spec. 4 Gary E. Bullock is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley. (Material courtesy of Kim Dalheim)

NYS Liquor Authority eliminates ‘antiquated’ restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants

Posted 1 June 2026 at 11:53 am

Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new policy to eliminate outdated restrictions on dancing in bars and restaurants.

Effective immediately, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) will no longer require applicants to disclose whether dancing will be permitted by patrons or consider questions on the application about patron dancing when reviewing on-premises license applications.

This policy change builds on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to support live performances, arts and entertainment across New York and to modernize policies impacting the state’s nightlife and hospitality industry.

“New York’s hospitality industry is unmatched, and our restaurants, bars and nightlife are a big part of what makes our communities so vibrant,” Governor Hochul said. “By eliminating this antiquated restriction on dancing, we’re making it easier for businesses to succeed and for New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the energy and excitement that define our state.”

New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, “The SLA should be focused on public safety, quality of life, and the overall operation of licensed businesses — not on whether patrons choose to dance. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are continuing to remove unnecessary barriers and support the restaurants, bars, and venues that help make New York’s communities dynamic, welcoming, and full of energy. Dancing is good for the soul. Let’s celebrate!”

Key changes under this new policy include:

The SLA will no longer consider responses related to patron dancing when evaluating applications for on-premises liquor licenses.
Applicants will no longer be required to disclose whether patron dancing will be permitted on the Authority’s on-premises license application, method of operation change application, municipal notice form, public interest questionnaire and other related materials.
Applicants may omit or leave blank any such questions without impacting the evaluation of their application.

This policy change applies to all new applications, including those currently under review that have not yet been approved.

Licensees that currently have restrictions related to patron dancing may apply to modify their method of operation if they wish to allow dancing at their establishment.

The SLA will continue to review each application based on public convenience and advantage and the overall method of operation, while enforcing all laws and regulations related to noise, disorderly conduct and public safety. Businesses must continue to comply with all applicable municipal laws, regulations or zoning requirements related to dancing, entertainment and use of space.

Additional guidance on this new policy is available on the SLA’s website.

Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association Executive Director Scott Wexler said, “Hallelujah, the State Liquor Authority is calling off the “dancing police” in bars and restaurants in New York. For nearly 100 years since the repeal of Prohibition, operators of restaurants had to get special permission from the Liquor Authority to permit patrons to dance. In what resembled a scene from the movie “Footloose” owners would need to stop their customers from dancing to the jukebox or risk getting shut down. With this common sense change the Liquor Authority is removing the shroud from New Yorkers’ dance card – so let’s dance!”

New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association President Sandra Jaquez said, “For New York’s minority-owned restaurants, bars, and lounges, music and dancing are central to how our communities gather, celebrate, and support vibrant neighborhoods. We applaud Governor Hochul and Chair Lily Fan for removing outdated restrictions around patron dancing and taking a commonsense step toward modernizing New York’s hospitality rules. This change will help small businesses better serve their customers, strengthen commercial corridors, and continue contributing to the culture and economy of communities across the state.”

New York State Restaurant Association President and CEO Melissa Fleischut said, “Thank you Governor Hochul and the State Liquor Authority for addressing regulatory red tape. (This) decision shows their continued commitment to modernizing and updating the antiquated alcohol laws that make it difficult to open and maintain a restaurant or bar. We look forward to continuing to work with them to help the hospitality industry thrive.”

State budget gives local municipalities slight bump in aid

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:54 am

Villages, towns get small percentage of AIM funding from NYS

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 6 shows the clock and Main Street lift bridge in Albion. The village of Albion receives about $47,000 from the state in AIM and Temporary Municipal Assistance. Cities that are similar in size to the village of Albion receive far more. The City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City receives $928,131 in AIM and another $323,328 in TMA. Salamanca has a population of 5,929 while Albion’s is 5,637.

The $268 billion enacted state budget from last week triples funding to muncipalities in Temporary Municipal Assistance, up from $50 million in the 2025-26 state budget to $150 million in the new budget.

The state began offering the Temporary Municipal Assistance in the 2024-25 budget at $50 million.

The temporary aid is on top of the $715 million for Aid and Incentives to Municipalities, which distributes AIM funding statewide to towns, villages and cities outside of New York City. With AIM, the cities get $647.1 million or 90.5 percent of the total, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.

The TMA follows the same percentages with the overwhelming majority going to cities. Some of the tripling of TMA will trickle down to towns and villages in Orleans County.

Here is the breakdown of AIM and Temporary Assistance for Orleans County municipalities:

Village of Albion – $38,811 AIM, $8,145 TMA, population 5,637
Village of Holley – $17,786 AIM, $3,732 TMA, population 1,754
Village of Lyndonville – $6,251 AIM, $1,311 TMA, population 791
Village of Medina – $45,523 AIM, $9,555 TMA, population 6,047
Town of Albion – $46,944 AIM, $9,852 TMA, population 7,639
Town of Barre – $12,486 AIM, $2,619 TMA, population 1,830
Town of Carlton – $13,680 AIM, $2,871 TMA, population 2,823
Town of Clarendon – $11,416 AIM, $2,397 TMA, population 3,305
Town of Gaines – $21,323 AIM, $4,476 TMA, population 3,226
Town of Kendall – $21,299 AIM, $4,470 TMA, population 2,614
Town of Murray – $44,677 AIM, $9,375 TMA, population 4,806
Town of Ridgeway – $46,273 AIM, $9,711 TMA, population 6,577
Town of Shelby – $45,007 AIM, $9,447 TMA, population 4,878
Town of Yates – $10,421 AIM, $2,187 TMA, population 2,567

Orleans County doesn’t have any cities and its 10 towns and four villages will get a total of $80,148 as part of the TMA allocations. The county has a population of 40,343 so the temporary aid amounts to about $2 per person.

The cities get a lot more in assistance from the state. Here are some examples of smaller cities and their AIM and TMA:

City of Batavia in Genesee County – $1,750,975 AIM, $609,978 TMA, population 15,174
City of Salamanca in Cattaraugus City – $928,131 AIM, $323,328 TMA, population 5,929
City of Sherrill in Oneida City – $372,689 AIM, $129,831 TMA, population 3,077
City of Lockport in Niagara County – $2,650,525 AIM, $923,349 TMA, population 20,876

Governor Kathy Hochul said the boost in temporary aid will help cities, towns and villages with rising costs.

“As bad federal policies like tariffs drive inflation and continue to raise costs for local governments, we are providing additional aid to localities to help hold the line on local taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “Strong local communities mean an even stronger New York, and these investments will go a long way to ensure that our local governments can continue to deliver for the communities they serve.”

Mustangs set to begin state playoffs Tuesday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 June 2026 at 10:06 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The opening round of the state tournament is next up for the Medina baseball squad, which is shown here celebrating with the trophy after Saturday’s 3-1 Section VI Class B championship game win over JFK. In front are Jadon Luxon, Vinny Gray, Aidan Papaj, Hadrian Batista, Ryan Pegelow, Carlos Doval and Kolton Fletcher. In back are Mason Berry, Lathan McEwen-Miller, Luke Duffina, Preston Woodworth, Cam Fike, Steven Gobelli and Jimmy Dieter.

Fresh from capturing a third straight Section VI Class B title, Medina will now begin state tournament competition with a Sub Regional contest against the Section V Class B winner (either Bath Haverling or Wellsville) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Frontier High School.

Medina advanced by downing JFK 3-0 for the Section VI Class B title on Saturday at Frontier.

The state tournament appearance is the third in a row and the fifth in the last seven years for the Mustangs.

Bath Haverling defeated Waylnd-Cohocton 1-0 for the Section V Clas B1 title and Wellsville bested East Rochester 10-2 for the B2 championship on Saturday. Bath and Wellsville will now play today for the Section V Class B berth in the state tournament opposite Medina in Tuesday’s Sub Regional.

Medina brings a 19-2 overall record into the state tournament including a perfect 16-0 mark in Niagara-Orleans League games (12-0) and sectional contests (4-0).

The Mustangs pitching trio of Preston Woodworth (7 wins), Aidan Papaj (6 wins) and Vinng Gray (3 wins) has registered 12 shutouts and given up a total of only 4 runs during this current 16-0 run. Those 4 runs were solo tallies which came in 4 different games.

Bath brings a 20-2 record into today’s Section V state qualifier while Wellsville is 14-7.

The winner of Tuesday’s game will advance to Saturday’s West Regional contest also at Frontier High School.

Gas price falls 19 cents nationally, but only 2 cents in Orleans in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:56 am

$4.60 price in Orleans is highest in WNY

The national average price for regular unleaded gas has fallen 19 cents in the past week to $4.32, while the price is down 6 cents state-wide to $4.53 a gallon. A year ago the national price was at $3.14 while the state-wide average was at $3.12.

The average price today in Orleans County is at $4.599, which is the highest in Western New York and down 2 cents from a week ago, according to AAA.

Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:

Orleans, $4.599
Genesee, $4.480
Monroe, $4.523
Niagara, $4.509
Erie, $4.553
Wyoming, $4.595
Livingston, $4.557
Chautauqua, $4.568
Cattaraugus, $4.537
Allegany, $4.550

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.833 while Hamilton County in the Adirondacks is the highest upstate at $4.799.

“Gas prices have edged down slightly as June begins, offering brief relief after a Memorial Day travel surge,” AAA said in a press release this morning. “AAA projects 39.1 million Americans drove 50 miles or more during the travel period despite elevated fuel costs.

“Meanwhile, crude oil prices have been wavering amid renewed geopolitical tensions, including uncertainty surrounding negotiations with Iran. Any setback could quickly push prices higher again, and with the summer driving season ramping up, gas costs are expected to remain on the higher side for the foreseeable future.”

Medina Mustangs FC gets first victory

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:17 am

Playing at full strength for the first time, the Medina Mustangs FC snapped a season opening three game losing streak by downing the Rance FC 4-1 Sunday evening in a Buffalo and District Soccer League Championship Division game at Sahlens Sports Park.

Medina scored in the first half on a goal by Peter Martillotta as Caleb Suckow earned the assist.

The Mustangs then claimed the victory on three second half goals by Cole Callard off assists from Martillotta, Kyan Mathieu and Aiden Price.

The Mustangs will next have their home opener against the Sporting Cavs at 6 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.

This Thursday Medina will begin Tehel Cup competition at Tapestry at 6:30 p.m.

Ox mascot riding hydrobike in Medina among photo winners in state-wide contest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 9:00 am

Photo by Isabella Zasa: Orly the Ox rides a hydro-bike on the Erie Canal in Medina on July 18. This was one of five photos that won a statewide contest.

A photo of an ox mascot riding a hydrobike in Medina’s Canal Basin is one of five state-wide winners in a photo contest by the New York State Association of Counties.

Isabella Zasa, a digital contest creator and tourism assistant in the county’s Tourism Department, took the photo on July 18 showing Orly the Ox. In the background are people on kayaks, the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge and the “Big Apple” sculpture created by Richard Bannister.

Zasa spent part of her time last year creating frequent social media posts with Orly highlighting local history, attractions and activities in Orleans County. The hydrobike feature was among more than 200 posts that Zasa helped created in 2025, when Orly was out for Orleans County’s bicentennial celebration.

The New York State Association of Counties welcomes photos each year in contest that wants to “capture the spirit of your county.”

The rules state: “County government has many angles to capture, including public safety, infrastructure, public health, parks, community engagement, and more! Whether it’s an infrastructure project, a community event, or a snapshot of county operations, your photo can help illustrate the impact of counties across New York State.”

Zasa’s photo of Orly the Ox will be featured in an NYSAC News magazine as well as the 2027 NYSAC Calendar.

This photo of Main Street in Batavia and the Upton Monument was taken out of the old Genesee County Courthouse by Steven Falitico and also was among the five winners in the photo contest.

Other winners included “Tompkins County Naturalization Ceremony” at the County Courthouse in Ithaca by Robert Henry; “Madsion County Fair at Dusk” in Brookfield by Melissa During; and an aerial photo of “Chemung County, NY Government Sewer Consolidation Project” in Elmira by Jett Industries, Inc.

Self-Advocacy Day brings messages, activities of inclusion and empowerment

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2026 at 8:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Brittany Glasier, a behavior specialist with Arc GLOW, paints a temporary tattoo on Tammy Cummings of Barker as part of Saturday’s 5th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day.

The event was held at the Trolley Building at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.

Provided photo: About 60 people attended the conference and many toured an ambulance brought by Mercy Flight EMS. Pam Cherry of Mercy Flight gave an overview on emergency response by Mercy Flight.

Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard also gave a presentation on safety.

Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, spoke about the importance of “being seen” and encouraged the group to be active in the community.

There was also a presentation by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, and welcome messages by Andrew Johnston is president of Orleans County Self-Advocate All Stars, and Logan Gerling, president of the Junior Self-Advocacy All Stars.

Saturday’s event was attended by about 60 people, which was up from last year’s event, Johnston said.

Christina Fontaine of Rochester tries the fish bowl toss. There were many activities for people to connect, learn and have fun together.

The direct support professionals through the Arc’s community services program helped run many of the games and programs.

Robert Hall, who works as a direct support professional with Arc GLOW, aims at the target with the dunk tank.

Robert Hall hit the target and a bucket of water dumped on Tyler Nunnery, who is vice president of the Self-Advocate All Stars in Orleans County.

The day self-advocacy day is dedicated in memory of Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper, who both passed away in 2022.

Doherty passed away at age 38 on May 5, 2022. He was active in many groups in the community and was an Eagle Scout. He volunteered with the Bullard Park restoration, the Albion Strawberry Festival and the 4-H Fair. He was a member of the Albion Lion’s Club.

He was one of the founders of the Self-Advocacy All Stars in Orleans County and attended state-wide conferences. From those experiences he wanted to have a conference in Orleans County and worked on planning the first one just before his death.

Hopper, age 71, passed away January 6, 2022. She worked for many years for the Arc as an assembly line worker. In the early ’80s she also worked at the Orleans County Nursing Home in the laundry department. Hopper was a former member of the Board of Directors for the Orleans County Arc.

Loretta Windnagle of Holley, a junior self advocate, throws a ball at the dunk tank target, on Saturday.

Peggy Dollinger reacts after someone hit the dunk tank target and she was doused in water.

Albion girls U18 soccer team wins opener

Contributed Story Posted 31 May 2026 at 9:23 pm

The Albion girls U18 soccer team downed the visiting Batavia Blue 2-1 this evening in the Rochester District Youth Soccer League season opener.

Lena Grillo and Mia Standish each scored a goal for Albion as Madi Frasier had an assist.

Holley U11 team wins Chili soccer tourney

Contributed Story Posted 31 May 2026 at 8:39 pm

Contributed Photo – The Holley Hawks soccer club boys U11 team swept the Chili Soccer Association tournament this weekend. defeating Fairport 2-1, Clarence 6-0, Chili 3-1, and in the finals Chili 5-3. In back, from left are: Coach Jamie Gale, Trent Klatt, Kacey Flow, Kellen Farrell, Stephen Frittos, Logan Spencer, Jake Bevins, Matthew Meyers, Aryan Bower, Jaxson Lynch, Coach Jeff Lutes Front: Kyle Lutes, Mavrick DeYoung, Brayden Adam’s, Hudson Ashton, Finn Barhydt, Cruz Stevens, Zach Gale, Jeffrey Lutes Not pictured: Arianna Rivera.